Former Pats WR Deion Branch stands by Aaron Hernandez

Jul. 1, 2013
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New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch (84), front, and New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (85) celebrate a Patriots touchdown in first half of a game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2010. / Sam Riche, USA TODAY Sports

by Staff report, USA TODAY Sports

by Staff report, USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have cut accused murderer Aaron Hernandez, wiped him from their website and are allowing fans with his jerseys to swap them for other Patriots jerseys - for no charge. The NFL has partially scrubbed Hernandez from its online records, too, and brands that have used Hernandez to hawk their products quickly have cut ties with him.

Former teammates have been silent, for the most part, but former Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch told the Albany Herald he isn't ready to abandon his friend - even though prosecutors have laid out a convincing case. Hernandez, who pleaded not guilty, is being held without bail for the killing of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd.

"Aaron is a great guy and a great friend of mine and a great teammate," Branch told the Georgia newspaper. "I love him to death, and it was shocking to hear his name involved in this situation. I truly hope and pray he doesn't have any dealings with it."

Branch, a free agent, has been working out in Indianapolis with former Colts receiver Austin Collie in hopes of extending an 11-year career, but putting his name in headlines as a Hernandez supporter isn't likely to help Branch find a team.

Nevertheless, Branch is sticking by his buddy. He made the comments during his eighth annual Skills and Drills camp at Albany State University on Saturday.

"That's my guy, man," Branch said. "That's my guy. It really shocked me. He was a great kid. Overall, I hope the best that he isn't involved with it and I hope he gets his name cleared, but most importantly I send my prayers and condolences out to the Lloyd family."

Two other men, whom prosecutors say were in the car for Lloyd's fateful ride to an industrial park, where he was shot five times - have also been arrested. For now, Carlos Ortiz faces a gun charge, while Ernest Wallace, who faces a rendition hearing in Florida on Monday, is expected to be charged as an accessory after the fact when he finally arrives in Massachusetts, prosecutors said. As the investigation moves forward, those charges could be upgraded.

Whether it turns out to be Hernandez or not, Branch said whoever pulled the trigger should pay the price.

"Nobody deserves to walk, whoever the person is that did it," Branch said. "Most of all, what we as Americans need to understand is that is somebody's child that was a victim. That's somebody's dad, and my prayers and thoughts go out to his family and hope that they bring whoever did this to their child to justice, regardless of who it is."